Bird flu confirmed at Wellingborough Embankment and in Northampton
MK Swan Rescue is giving advice
Avian Influenza (bird flu) has now been confirmed in wild swans and geese at Wellingborough Embankment and in other locations around Northampton.
That's according to MK Swan Rescue, which says Avian Influenza never disappears completely and it has now resurfaced here in our local area, affecting our water birds once again.
Please help us protect the swans and geese in these areas by staying alert and acting responsibly
The charity says: "If you come across any sick or dead birds, do not touch or move them. Report dead birds to the local council so they can be removed quickly and safely, and also notify DEFRA on 03459 33 55 77, to support national monitoring and testing.
"After visiting parks, lakes or rivers, always clean and disinfect your footwear and vehicle tyres to avoid carrying infection between sites. Keep dogs on a lead and away from wild birds and carcasses at all times.
"Feeding remains important through the colder months, as it helps birds maintain their strength. Weakened birds are more vulnerable to illness, so please continue to feed responsibly. Scatter food widely to prevent large groups from gathering, and stop feeding straight away if any birds appear unwell.
"If you keep pet birds, chickens, ducks or other domestic poultry, take extra care after visiting areas with wild birds. Disinfect footwear and wash your hands before handling your own birds, as Avian Influenza can spread from wild to domestic flocks.
"Wildlife rescues are not able to take in birds showing symptoms of bird flu. This is to protect other birds already in care and to prevent a DEFRA-ordered cull should infection spread within a facility. Please do not judge or criticise rescues for not attending suspected bird flu cases. It isn’t that rescues don’t want to help, seeing so many birds suffering is heartbreaking as we know many of the affected birds personally, but we simply cannot risk spreading the virus to the healthy birds already in care or to the many other sites we cover.
"However, some carers and members of the public have reported improvement in wild birds showing early signs of illness when offered food soaked in baicalin, a natural antiviral plant extract believed to help support recovery.
"Although there are no formal studies confirming its effectiveness in birds, the anecdotal evidence is very strong and difficult to ignore. It has to be better to try something than to do nothing at all.
"Baicalin can be ordered online, and the most cost-effective source we are aware of is www.baicalin.co.uk
"An examination of how baicalin works can be found here
"Typical signs of bird flu include swollen head or eyes, twisted or kinked neck, drooping wings, loss of balance or coordination, green diarrhoea, gurgling or laboured breathing, or sudden collapse. Some swans may carry the virus without visible symptoms, which is why good hygiene and caution are so important.
"Bird flu mainly affects swans, geese, seabirds and birds of prey, though domestic poultry can also become infected. Smaller garden birds are rarely affected.
"Thank you for helping to protect the swans and geese at Wellingborough Embankment, in Northampton, and across the wider area. Every act of care and caution helps keep our local birds safe and strong."